Combining Passion, Community Willingness, and History

The only building of its kind in Illinois, right here in Freeport.

Help us get it reopened this year!

Combining Passion, Community Willingness, and History

The only building of its kind in Illinois, right here in Freeport.

Help us get it reopened this year!

Visit our New Website!

SAVETHETABERNACLE.ORG

Why we made this website?

Our 105 yr-old Tabernacle at Oakdale Nature Preserve holds so many memories for so many people in our community. It's on the Landmark Illinois 2018 Endangered List because it's one of a kind. It's the only fully enclosed, steel supported Tabernacle left in Illinois that is structurally sound and potentially usable. The Tabernacle is currently part of the Freeport Park District but it's been closed to the public since 2012. Starting in Nov 2017 a group of citizens became interested in saving the Tabernacle from being demolished. In January 2020 the group called Save the Tabernacle, formed a nonprofit corporation and they are having discussions with the Freeport Park District to make necessary repairs and get the building back open for our community.
Why should we save it? Old buildings have value because you can't reproduce the character of old buildings no matter how hard you try.
What else? Old buildings often have some great components that would cost an arm and a leg to build today. Our Tabernacle has a unique octagon-shaped steel-framed roof structure that is in amazing shape.
And on the last note, we know that reusing old buildings adds character to individual buildings, but above that, it adds character and contributes to the identity of whole cities. It's what will make people currently driving by our city on their way to Galena, stop and choose Freeport

The Issues

Can the building be saved?

What is the true condition of the Tabernacle at Oakdale?

Find out more

How much will it cost?

Can the building be saved?

There are lots of figures being tossed around. We'll try to decode some of them for you.

Find out more

What do we want?

Can the building be saved?

What do we want?

We want to bring this historic building back into service for our community.

Find out more

How can I help?

Make a Donation today

We are making a plan and of course, this includes looking for opportunities to raise the money we'll need. If you are experienced in fundraising or in writing grants, we could use your help. If you have an idea or know of a business willing to donate materials, please email us.

Donations are always appreciated. Consider making a donation through our GoFundMe campaign here: https://bit.ly/2T5asb4

We need volunteers

We are collecting a list of volunteers and skills to help when we start rehabbing the Tabernacle. There will be plenty of opportunities to help. Some involve physical work but there will also be opportunities to help with things like fundraising. For accuracy, we are asking everyone that wants to help, to sign up here: Volunteer & Email signup Thank you.

Buy a T-shirt to show your support

Our design was made by Lily Krueger. She's a freshman at Freeport High School and has been quite an advocate working to save the Tabernacle. She made a painting of the Tabernacle before the Board meeting on February 18th. We loved it so much, we asked her if we could use it for our logo. Thank you, Lily. You ROCK!
Larry Pittsley has offered to make the t-shirts and donate ALL the profits to the Save The Tabernacle fund. There are two ways to order a shirt. The first is through his website.
Prices start at $15. Lots of colors and styles available.
Or visit Larry's store in Freeport, IL called American Garage Art to make your purchase. You're in for a treat. A full range of items to choose from including some very cool bags. American Garage Art is located at 22 W Spring St, Freeport, IL. Call ahead to check on hours (815) 291-8299

Photo Gallery

Pledge your Support

Pledge your Support NOW

On January 27th, 2020, the Save the Oakdale Tabernacle pledge drive was started!

At this time no money, until we have a firm plan with the Freeport Park District, a pledge is all we are asking for. It's a vote of support to save the Tabernacle for future generations to enjoy. Click the black box below that says pledge form to get to another screen to print the form.

Pledge Form

There's 4 ways to get your pledge to us

Email it to SavetheTabernacle@gmail.com

Mail it to P.O. Box 725, Freeport, IL 61032

Take a picture of your pledge and text it to 815-601-4551

History of the Oakdale Tabernacle

History of the Tabernacle

The Tabernacle has been an important part of our community for 105 years

Click here for more history

Upcoming meetings

Tuesday

Freeport Park Board Meeting

6:30

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8:00 pm

Event Details

Tuesday

Freeport Park Board Meeting

Park Board Meeting. Commissioners meet twice monthly at the Park District Headquarters, 1122 South Burchard Ave, Freeport, IL.

As of March 1...

Event Details

6:30

-

8:00 pm

Sundays

Future Volunteer Day

1:00pm

-

5:00pm

Event Details

Sundays

Future Volunteer Day

Come visit to help us with the tasks of preservation. Stay afterward for tea and socializing!

Wouldn't this an amazing part of our dream to ...

Event Details

1:00pm

-

5:00pm

Sign up to get emails about our progress

Contact Us

You can help. We cannot do this alone.

Save theTabernacle Committee

P.O. Box 725, Freeport, IL 61032

Email: SavetheTabernacle@gmail.com Phone: (815) 601-4551 or 815-541-4031